The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) published a public scam alert after receiving reports of fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens and phishing messages linked to six banks. The affected banks are The Bank of East Asia, Limited; Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited; Chong Hing Bank Limited; OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited; The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited; and Ant Bank (Hong Kong) Limited. The HKMA reiterated that banks will not send SMS or emails containing embedded hyperlinks directing customers to bank websites to carry out transactions, and will not request sensitive information such as login passwords or one-time passwords by phone, email or SMS. The HKMA advised anyone who has provided personal information or conducted financial transactions in response to the scams to contact the relevant bank using details in the bank’s press release and to report the matter to the Hong Kong Police Force’s Crime Wing Information Centre.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority 2025-11-21
Hong Kong Monetary Authority issues scam alert over fraudulent bank websites and phishing messages
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a scam alert about fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens, and phishing messages targeting six banks, including The Bank of East Asia and HSBC. The HKMA emphasized that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks for transactions or request sensitive information via phone, email, or SMS. Affected individuals should contact their bank and report to the Hong Kong Police Force’s Crime Wing Information Centre.